Eddie Hearn insists that Anthony Joshua’s proposed rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is NOT under any threat, despite the war in Ukraine.
Usyk defeated Joshua back in September to become the unified heavyweight champion of the world. After talks over an undisputed bout with Tyson Fury fell through, the former cruiserweight was confirmed to be heading into a rematch with AJ.
There have been some doubts as to whether that fight will go ahead as planned, though, after Usyk was pictured back in his native Ukraine, wielding weapons and preparing to take on the Russian invaders.
A fair assumption would be that, even if it were not to be cancelled, Joshua vs Usyk II would surely be delayed, but Eddie Hearn has moved to ease any fears of disruption caused by the war in Ukraine.
“People keep saying will this affect Oleksandr Usyk (against Joshua)… I can’t tell you what Oleksandr Usyk is thinking in his mind.”
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“For me, the answer is no… I would guess Usyk will start camp in about four weeks’ time. Dmitry Bivol who will start camp (for Canelo Alvarez fight) in Los Angeles this weekend or on Monday…”
“If that’s what’s required of Usyk, he will do the same. It’s a very sensitive subject and I can’t tell you what certain individuals are doing when their country is at war.”
“But I don’t expect it to have any bearing on Anthony Joshua versus Oleksandr Usyk.” – via iFL TV
Ultimately, Hearn is playing a guessing game and there is no way to know whether Usyk will be in a position to abandon the Ukrainian frontline in just four weeks’ time.
We are all going to have to wait and see how this very unique situation plays out.
